Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority Takes Emergency Measures to Secure Fertilizer Raw Materials Amid Middle East Crisis

Support for Vessel Entry and Unloading at Nakpo Pier, Gwangyang Port
Import of Approximately 33,000 Tons of Urea for Fertilizer Production by Namhae Chemical

Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority (President Choi Kwanho, hereafter referred to as the Authority) announced on May 13 that it has taken measures to address the supply chain crisis caused by the Middle East war, including temporarily allowing the berthing of vessels that exceed part of the berthing capacity (DWT) at Nakpo Pier, Gwangyang Port, in order to ensure the stable import of 'urea,' a key fertilizer raw material currently facing supply disruptions.

As the aftermath of the Middle East war has blocked supply chains in major urea exporting countries such as Qatar, Namhae Chemical, the leading company in Korea’s fertilizer market, is making emergency efforts to secure raw materials through alternative import routes, including Oman and Southeast Asia.

The SIDRA vessel docked at berth No. 4 of Nakpo Pier is preparing for elemental unloading. Provided by Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority

In particular, with fertilizer demand rising ahead of the main farming season, disruptions in the supply of raw materials could immediately translate into production and supply problems, making a swift response essential.

In early April, the Authority, led by Executive Vice President Hong Sangpyo, held a meeting with shippers at Yeosu Industrial Complex who use Gwangyang Port to discuss major raw material supply trends and port operation support measures. During this process, the Authority received feedback from the field that the vessel SIDRA, carrying urea from Oman, could not berth due to its partial excess over the pier’s DWT capacity. After a prompt safety review and discussions with relevant agencies, the Authority permitted the vessel’s temporary berthing.

The SIDRA safely berthed at Nakpo Pier on May 13 and is unloading a total of 18,000 tons of urea. A representative from Namhae Chemical stated, “Thanks to the active support of the Port Authority, we were able to urgently secure urea inventory through this import from Oman. Namhae Chemical will continue to work closely with the government and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation to diversify supply chains and ensure the uninterrupted supply of fertilizer for agriculture.”

President Choi Kwanho of the Authority said, “As many shippers at Yeosu Industrial Complex are facing difficulties due to the situation in the Middle East, we will continue to contribute to national supply chain stability through flexible pier operations, based on the safety of port operations.”

Meanwhile, the Authority plans to continue reviewing additional response measures, such as supporting the use of port facilities and improving operations, to prepare for further instability in raw material supply.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.